Ministers Moore and Fast Celebrate the Completion of Infrastructure Stimulus Fund Projects in British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, October 28, 2011 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, and Regional Minister for British Columbia, today celebrated the successful conclusion of infrastructure projects across British Columbia under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, a key part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. He was joined by the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific Gateway, and Peter Xotta, Vice President of Planning and Operations at Port Metro Vancouver. The event marked the completion of several Port Metro Vancouver projects, which will solidify the Port's place as a major economic generator for the country and a dynamic gateway for domestic and international trade and tourism.
"Our Government delivered timely and targeted funding that created jobs and boosted our regional economy here in British Columbia," said Minister Moore. "Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, we supported more than 440 Infrastructure Stimulus Fund projects across British Columbia that will strengthen communities."
Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has worked in partnership with provinces, territories and municipalities and other partners to deliver timely and targeted investment to create jobs and boost the economy.
"The Government of Canada's unprecedented financial commitment and policy support has been instrumental in furthering our nation's trade potential through the Pacific Gateway," said Vice President Xotta. "By advancing these infrastructure stimulus projects, together we continue to support Canadian trade and jobs, and deliver benefits to communities in a sustainable way."
The Port Metro Vancouver projects received a joint investment of over $41 million. The Government of Canada committed $21 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund with Port Metro Vancouver matching this commitment. Work included upgrades to roadways, port buildings as well as docks at the port.
Canada's Economic Action Plan committed close to $16 billion to modernize a broad range of infrastructure including our roads, bridges, public transit, parks and water treatment facilities, and to support home ownership, help stimulate the housing sector and improve housing across Canada.
Through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund alone, over $505 million was committed to more than 440 projects in communities across British Columbia. In every corner of the province, jobs were created when the economy needed them most. Projects ranged from water facilities, roads and highways to a new library in the City of Surrey and a new park network in Kelowna. A complete list of funded projects in British Columbia is available at infrastructure.gc.ca.
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit actionplan.gc.ca.
Contacts:
Pierre Floréa
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Barbara Joy-Kinsella
Media Relations
Port Metro Vancouver
604-665-9267
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
The Government of Canada and Port Metro Vancouver provided over $41 million toward several projects.
